As summer starts, our thoughts turn to sun protection. But be careful to keep micronized zinc oxide sunscreens away from children who may accidentally swallow the products.
That’s because a recent scientific study has found that nanoparticles in zinc oxide sunscreens may harm intestinal cells and be potentially toxic even if only small amounts are ingested. This finding may have some significance particularly for babies and toddlers, who often orally test items as part of their development process.
“Unintended exposure to nano-sized zinc oxide from children accidentally eating sunscreen products is a typical public concern, motivating the study of the effects of nanomaterials in the colon,” the scientists stated.
Nanoparticles are barely the width of a human hair, and are used in various consumer products such as food and cosmetics.
A peer reviewed report in the ACS’ Chemical Research in Toxicology stated that particles smaller than 100 nanometers are “slightly more toxic to colon cells than conventional zinc oxide.” The report also stated that even a small amount –two grams (an amount normally enough to cover the face) was toxic to colon cells.
The report authors recommended further studies to fully explore effects. Find the ACS summary here or the full report.
Filed under: Cosmetic Ingredient Labels, Cosmetic Ingredients, harmful chemicals, scientific studies harmful chemicals |
Bella Floria Organics 
Nanoparticles are very concerning to me especially because they have begun to be in our frequently used products like foundation and sunscreen.
If it is hazardous for a child to eat, what happens if nanoparticles from our products get into wounds or open acne spots and into the blood stream.
I would like to have more research done about nanoparticles before they are added to all our products. I am sticking with non nano sunscreens for now.